Too much Husky!!

Does any one know of a dog area in Calgary that is enclosed? I would love to let Lindy run but she cannot be trusted off leash. The times I have let her go-on purpose or by accident, she ran and ran and ran and boy is she fast!! We have worked on come and she is excellent on the long training leash and even off leash in the back yard, but as soon as she knows she is free, away she goes. She got away last night, ran for about 30 minutes, and did come back into the off leash area eventually and came right to me when I called. I read that Huskies cannot be trusted off leash, to they were breed to run. Lindy is a Husky Shepherd x.

I wouldn't let her off leash then, until she listens well to the recall command.

Oh no, I have learned my lesson there. I was wondering if there are any off leash areas in Calgary that are enclosed so that she cannot run into residential areas, garbage, streets, cars, etc.

What quadrant of the city are you in?
The only thing I can think of is Sandy Beach; which isn't actually enclosed, but if she runs off, it's to the water, or else Glenmore park, which if she runs off is to again the water or to a road with a speed limit of 30 km/hr, and sees maybe one car per hour.

The city of Calgary website list all the dog parks. I am not sure if any are enclosed or not. I thought Calgary did have some fenced of areas, but I am not 100% sure.

Sorry I wasn't talking about Lindy running into residential areas, I was saying given that she's still learning on her recall command, I'd velcro her to my side all the time until she has mastered the command.

Letting her running free is just another way to reward her behavior, IMO.

I wouldn't let her off leash then, until she listens well to the recall command.
Letting her running free is just another way to reward her behavior, IMO.
From experience, I doubt that Lindy will ever have a 100% recall, so rewarding the behaviour or not, she's still going to run. Most huskies, even mixes, can never be trusted off leash in unenclosed areas. Freyja's best bet is to find a fenced dog park to safely exercise Lindy.

I took my husky Keely (R.I.P) through to novice obedience - 20 sessions of basic and 20-30 sessions of novice and while she was good for the onleash recall she never mastered the offleash and was one of the reasons we didn't go on to compete.

Hi,

I'm not entirely sure, but I was at the dog park off of Deerfoot and Southland drive once, and I thought it was fenced. It's also HUGE, so if Lindy did run off, that could still be a nightmare, but I do think it is enclosed mostly.

I agree with Wudjah that your Husky will most likely never obey the "stop right there" command when off leash. Northern breeds like to run - I have a 16 month old Eskimo and no way will he ever be off leash. Most dogs have a trigger anyway whether it be a squirrel or the kid who torments the dog through a window that will cause them to ignore your stop command. We don't have a fenced yard, but pointless anyway as an Eskimo will jump to top of fence and somersault off - and no doubt break his neck. I expect that your pup also responds much better to a calm tone of voice that yelling - still trying to convince my husband of that - he just thinks our dog listens to me more because he loves me the most - nothing new there.

oops, sorry I'm not aware that Huskies are wanderers and cannot be reliably trained to listen to recall command.

I'm really sorry that I ass-u-me-d. :sorry:

Thanks, kinda what I thought. Glenmore would be great, but it is a bit big. Same goes for Sandy Beach, she would be all the way to the Zoo along the river if she wanted. I will check out the website and check out some of the smaller sites. She loves to run, and she would love the exercise. We are working on the pulling so long walks are not an option at the moment until we can get the pulling under control. Ah well, if it isn't one thing it is another, kinda like kids!

I dont think it is an excuse to realize breed traits.Perhaps some may be workable,but some are not,and they are very important factors to take into consideration.Yes training is always needed,but sometimes not everything will be overcome with training,and that should be acknowledged.

I dont know what you mean by toughlove.Some traits,even worked with from puppyhood,are ingrained,does not matter the age of the dog.Wanting a husky or greyhound to have a 100% recall off leash is unreasonable,wanting a Pit that can go offleash in dog parks and be 100% with all the dog with various training and manner levels is also unreasonable,as is wanting LGDs to fawn over all strangers that they meet.People need to realize that,and I felt your post was missing that reality,as well as the many other ones in various breeds.Breed standards should be taken into consideration.

Hmm yeah, sorry Freyja, while Calgary has a lot of offleash parks... they're all HUGE... I guess not exactly what you're looking for...Here's a list of all of the off-leash parks.. but since it doesn't mention fencing, it would require a lot of time to find out if any are suitable:
http://www.calgaryplus.ca/portal/feature/12777/dog.jsp

What on earth is wrong?I have been polite.Just because someone disagrees with you does not mean you have to go wild and say you are sick of someone.Please calm down.

And BTW some dogs can have 100% off leash recall,I have had several.

I've tried being nice, but it's not working with you. I'm not stupid and I understand what you are saying. I'm not disillutioned to the fact that certain breeds have certain traits. The dog in question is a HUSKY CROSS if you read the post. Everytime I post something you don't like, you respond negatively, and I'm sick of it. I'm done with this thread, and Freyja, I'm sorry if this got hijacked. I don't like being made to feel like I don't understand dogs when I own 3, took a training course, rescue, and have trained a VARIETY of breeds, mixes and purebreeds. I've also worked as a dog walker, and have boarded numerous dogs in my house at the same time. All of whom I took off leash, including a whippet!! Her recall was EXCELLENT. My in laws also have a mal who by LL1's standard must suck off leash. Oh but guess what????????????????? He doesn't. But according to LL1, it is "UNRESONABLE to expect 100% recall" from a husky, or a northern breed, which a mal also is. I NEVER said that you could expect a 100% recall. No dog can achieve that all the time. I am confident in my methods, and when I say tough love, that means not speaking to your dog all the time, or correcting it witha martingale collar. Some people think it's cruel, others love the results that can be achieved.

LL1, again, I come across as the bad guy, so I appologize for jumping on you. I'm confident in what I know about dogs and breed traits, but I believe that traits do not make the dog. With me, I exhaust all methods first before blaming a breed trait. They should most definitely be taken into consideration, especially when planning out a training routine or buying / adopting a dog, but some dogs overcome traits easily when others do not. Freyja, if you'd like to talk about training Lindy or about dog parks, please feel free to PM me. Thank you and all the best with Lindy!

Thanks for the apology,not necessary.

I agree with you that training comes first,and should be done.But it is not a cure all,and that is what I am saying.As evidenced by experienced people,Wudjah being just one,some traits are ingrained,and while some dogs are not the norm,its important to respect and realize the standard behavior as well as correct behavior in some breeds.
LL1, again, I come across as the bad guy, so I appologize for jumping on you. I'm confident in what I know about dogs and breed traits, but I believe that traits do not make the dog. With me, I exhaust all methods first before blaming a breed trait. They should most definitely be taken into consideration, especially when planning out a training routine or buying / adopting a dog, but some dogs overcome traits easily when others do not. Freyja, if you'd like to talk about training Lindy or about dog parks, please feel free to PM me. Thank you and all the best with Lindy!

You just have to be accepting that breed traits are there. For example border collies herding....now try to teach that one out of them! Not gonna happen, and Beagles going off on a scent mission, again not to be let off leash if you want your dog back.

Many things can be done with training but realizing that some things 'can't is just some ordinary common sense.

Can't train humans outta arguing...it's in OUR breeding :p

Again, I do understand breed traits and agree that they should be considered when training issues arise. I didn't mean to open a can of worms by stating that too many people give up too soon on their dogs because of things they hear about their dog's breed. Again, Lindy is a cross with a husky so the traits may be able to be worked out. IMO, if all options for training have bee exhausted and the unwanted behaviour is still present, that's when you can blame a breed trait. When I got Red, so many people told me that they were shocked at how friendly she is with people. Apparently, a heeler trait is to be wary of strangers and protective. Sometimes, even agressive. Numerous trainers told me she was agressive and had to be leashed away from other dogs, and they blew it off as a breed trait. Well, after learning how to work with Red, I realize that she is assertive with other dogs, but by no means agressive. She doesn't take crap, but she never starts fights. She does show warriness towards strangers, but has never growled at someone or hurt anyone. I've been told she is not a "typical" heeler. But what is "typical"? A viscious, biting, monster? No way! She is a purebred heeler, and her traits are not as strong as other heelers. That's all I'm trying to say. I hope that's enough as my hands are hurting from typing.

I also don't think that training a husky to come back is impossible. There are 3 ar our park who come back. One never leaves her owner's side. Jemma is a husky mix, and she comes back 100% of the time. Even if she is fighting. She always comes. It is about training, but if you say, "Oh I have a husky, it's impossible," then yes, it will be because you've just killed your chances by self-fulfilling prophesy.

It's all about training. Breed traits are there, but you can overcome them. Greyhounds being sight hounds is an instinct. Huskies running away is not. Sorry, but I disagree. And like I said, I have a husky mix who comes back no matter what.

Freyja,

Just one more idea...there is a baseball diamond off of Richmond Road at 26 Street SW. Actually there are two, but one of them is completely fenced in. This is NOT an off-leash area, but I have taken my dog there a couple of times early in the day when it is not in use. I guess it's a risk if a by-law person comes around. But it is nice, because it is completely fenced in (you have to watch out for two spots where the "dug-outs" are...he could find them and get away.

Just a thought.

Breed traits are there, but you can overcome them. Greyhounds being sight hounds is an instinct. Huskies running away is not.

Why couldn't I just say that? I could have saved myself a huge headache. I just always feel defensive on this board. I gotta stop caring what people think of me! Thanks Prin. :o

LOL Heeler's Rock- you just needed someone with fresh eyes and no history in this thread... ;) I just hope nobody is surprised if this thread gets closed... See it coming? Anybody?

Let's give advice. :) :grouphug:

some traits are ingrained,and while some dogs are not the norm,its important to respect and realize the standard behavior as well as correct behavior in some breeds.

Of course that's true. I guess I didn't say it, because I feel it's common sense. Dogs were bred for their traits and that's how so many of our breeds serve so many purposes. But some people might not know that, so thanks for posting it. I hope it helps people do more research on their dogs, especially if they're giving up on them and not understanding why their dogs may be acting certain ways.

I just started helping train a husky/shepherd cross and she's eating through drywall. It is a breed trait for huskies and mals to be escape artists, but we're hoping to overcome the distruction as it also seems like severe separation anxiety. :o

See it coming? Anybody?

OOO!! I do I do!!! LOL!! :o I hope it doesn't get closed as I think we're all mature enough to want to help Freyja with Lindy. She shouldn't be punished because I'm pregnant and VERY hormonal!! If hubby even looks at me the wrong way, I freak!!! :D

You didnt open a can of worms,its all good! :)

People arent "blaming" breed traits,but rather recognizing their importance.

Heelers are not supposed to be aggressive with strangers according to the standard.Some people misread or misinterpert standards,and some dont read them at all I suppose.Some also misread breeds.

The standard says heelers (ACDs)are naturally suspicious of strangers,like some other herders,which may refer to it as reserved with strangers or aloof(BCs and Sheps)but must be amenable to handling,particularly in the show ring.If they were aggressive it would be a serious fault and not correct temperament and biting a stranger handling them would merit a DQ.
Again, I do understand breed traits and agree that they should be considered when training issues arise. I didn't mean to open a can of worms by stating that too many people give up too soon on their dogs because of things they hear about their dog's breed. Again, Lindy is a cross with a husky so the traits may be able to be worked out. IMO, if all options for training have bee exhausted and the unwanted behaviour is still present, that's when you can blame a breed trait. When I got Red, so many people told me that they were shocked at how friendly she is with people. Apparently, a heeler trait is to be wary of strangers and protective. Sometimes, even agressive. Numerous trainers told me she was agressive and had to be leashed away from other dogs, and they blew it off as a breed trait. Well, after learning how to work with Red, I realize that she is assertive with other dogs, but by no means agressive. She doesn't take crap, but she never starts fights. She does show warriness towards strangers, but has never growled at someone or hurt anyone. I've been told she is not a "typical" heeler. But what is "typical"? A viscious, biting, monster? No way! She is a purebred heeler, and her traits are not as strong as other heelers. That's all I'm trying to say. I hope that's enough as my hands are hurting from typing.

They may be so-called "escape artists", but how can they escape if you are watching them? For me the best way to train a dog not to run away is to watch him. If he knows you will not hesitate to run after him, and catch him, whatever it takes, he won't do it anymore. So far I have only had to football tackle one dog (it was sort of an accident- we both zigged) but after that, he stayed. He didn't take off ever again. Of course this was after using conventional methods... :D

It was pretty funny seeing us lying there in the grass... :D

Yeah, after I read the breed standard for heelers, I realized that a lot of people, even vets, have a lot of preconceived notions about how they should act. My friend who's a trainer has a red heeler on tape trying to attack him for controlling him with a leash! I think that's what people think when they see a heeler. They are friendly, but can be wary and people have to take that into account when getting this breed. They never run up to people wagging their tails all happy as they like to check things out first. :)

I went for a walk with Lindy (on leash ;) and came back to a storm here. I acknowledge that Lindy needs more training, and I am trying my darndest to do so. I also acknowledge that because of her "breed trait" of running she may need more work than maybe another dog. I am willing to do this. Lindy has come leaps and bounds from where she was. She was a Morley Reserve rescue that I got from the Cochrane Humane Society a year ago at the age of 7-9 months(not sure exactly). She had never been inside a house before, was incredibly freindly but totally untrained. She now knows sit, down, stay, come, out, off, leave it, she sleeps on her pillow, she pees and poos outside, we are working on heel, which is coming along. She is eager and friendly, BUT she does not have great recall outside with distractions. Hence the question about outside fenced dog parks that we could work on that. I have a 25 foot leash that we have been working on "stay close" and "come" with. I wanted her to get some more exercise and reward her for her good training sessions with a run around. Thank you all for your suggestions. Heeler's Rock: I will PM you.

Not sure what you mean.I too have a husky cross with 100% recall.What do you mean about greyhounds?Yes they are sighthounds,but having a 100% recall is not what defines being a sighthound,you would be hard pressed to find a greyhound with a perfect recall or a rescue that would allow people who want an offleash dog to adopt one,same as a Husky. And no I disagree,not all breed traits can be overcome.
Jemma is a husky mix, and she comes back 100% of the time. Even if she is fighting. She always comes. It is about training, but if you say, "Oh I have a husky, it's impossible," then yes, it will be because you've just killed your chances by self-fulfilling prophesy.

It's all about training. Breed traits are there, but you can overcome them. Greyhounds being sight hounds is an instinct. Huskies running away is not. Sorry, but I disagree. And like I said, I have a husky mix who comes back no matter what.

They may be so-called "escape artists", but how can they escape if you are watching them?

Well, she would attempt to escape while her owner was at work. This had never happened before and when she told people, they all said, "Well, huskies are known to eat through anything to try and escape." I've heard that too, but seeing as how the dog is 4 and never done this before, I'd say it's more a separation anxiety thing. :)

Often that means escape crates etc.And then escape locked doors etc.Alot of people work or go to school and can't watch dogs 100% of the time unfortunately.And some dogs will still run whether you can catch them or not.A purebred healthy husky or greyhound at full run is not something most humans could catch.
They may be so-called "escape artists", but how can they escape if you are watching them? For me the best way to train a dog not to run away is to watch him. If he knows you will not hesitate to run after him, and catch him, whatever it takes, he won't do it anymore.

Not sure what you mean.I too have a husky cross with 100% recall.What do you mean about greyhounds?Yes they are sighthounds,but having a 100% recall is not what defines being a sighthound,you would be hard pressed to find a greyhound with a perfect recall or a rescue that would allow people who want an offleash dog to adopt one,same as a Husky. And no I disagree,not all breed traits can be overcome.
I'm saying that greyhounds disappear because they have sighthound instincts, huskies, not so much. I think a husky would be far easier to train to have a 100% recall than a greyhound. That is what I'm saying. I'm saying that the breed traits of a husky should not be sufficient enough a reason not to have a good recall.

It's hard to overcome physiology and instinct. But the rest is easy in comparison. MOST huskies certainly do not have traits that cannot be overcome.

Freyja, sorry you came back to this! Mostly my fault. I'm just feeling a bit on edge lately. :o

Anyways, please do PM me because I do know how hard you've come with Lindy and I believe she can have a good recall with the right training methods. You're a great owner for wanting to get her the excercise she requires in the meantime. There is a group called Calgary Dog Fanciers Association I believe, and they have a fenced in area somewhere in the city. When I called about it a few years back, it was full for 3 months! You have to put your name on a waiting list and you get the area to yourself for an alloted amount of time. Another option is Southland offleash area. There is a fenced in part, but it's usuable by others in the park at any time they wish, so best to try there at a slower time of day. :o

Although the Siberian Husky is one of the world's most strikingly beautiful dog breeds, this breed is rarely a good choice for a first time dog owner.

To learn more about this breed, please visits the sites that are listed below. The authors of these pages have many years of experience in owning, breeding, showing, training and mushing countless specimens of this breed.

Please believe them when they say THIS BREED SHOULD NEVER BE LET OFF LEASH!!! Siberians love to run and unless they are carefully guarded and only allowed to run free in enclosed areas, an off leash Siberian will soon become a lost Siberian...or worse.

Please do not think that if you do the training, that you will be able to trust your Siberian off leash. Siberian Huskies with Champion Obedience titles have bolted out open doors or gates... and then never been seen again by their owners/trainers.
From http://www.huskycolors.com/siberian.html

Id have to disagree.Sighthound instinct does not mean disappearing when offleash.And I would disagree with your opinions on most huskies.But thats ok!:)
I'm saying that greyhounds disappear because they have sighthound instincts, huskies, not so much. I think a husky would be far easier to train to have a 100% recall than a greyhound. That is what I'm saying. I'm saying that the breed traits of a husky should not be sufficient enough a reason not to have a good recall.

It's hard to overcome physiology and instinct. But the rest is easy in comparison. MOST huskies certainly do not have traits that cannot be overcome.

Hmmm....I heard a breeder tell that same stuff to a lady that owned one of her bichon/shih tzu crosses! She seriously told her when she got her puppy, that she'll never be able to take it off leash. A bichon/shih tzu!! I could outrun most of those! :)

I think the most important thing to realize about huskies in general is that they don't live for people. They live with people. Same with mals. They don't feel they need humans to survive, and therefore it's hard to train them to follow commands. If they don't want to, they won't. If they feel like it, they will. It's really sad when people discourage others from training because they make them think it won't help. A lot of huskies and mals go off leash and do just fine. It is something to consider that they may bolt if something more important comes along than the owner. But that's where establishing alpha and consistency come in. I wouldn't trust them off leash all the time, but there is no way you could convince me that they are NEVER capable of being trusted off leash. If they've never been exposed to it, how will they know?

Excellent advice IMO.Virtually every experienced Husky rescue and breeder and owner will say the same.
Although the Siberian Husky is one of the world's most strikingly beautiful dog breeds, this breed is rarely a good choice for a first time dog owner.

To learn more about this breed, please visits the sites that are listed below. The authors of these pages have many years of experience in owning, breeding, showing, training and mushing countless specimens of this breed.

Please believe them when they say THIS BREED SHOULD NEVER BE LET OFF LEASH!!! Siberians love to run and unless they are carefully guarded and only allowed to run free in enclosed areas, an off leash Siberian will soon become a lost Siberian...or worse.

Please do not think that if you do the training, that you will be able to trust your Siberian off leash. Siberian Huskies with Champion Obedience titles have bolted out open doors or gates... and then never been seen again by their owners/trainers.
From http://www.huskycolors.com/siberian.html

Well Freyja, I've said all I can about this issue. You must remember that Lindy is still young and a husky cross. I've heard stories about mals not being trusted off leash and blah blah blah, but bottom line with the mals I've seen, worked with, and owned, not one had a problem off leash that wasn't overcome. I do hope your training continues to go well and that you do continue using her training lead to achieve a recall. Based on what I saw of her when we met, she's just a dog that's easily distracted and just needs you to establish yourself as alpha. I honestly believe she can be helped, but maybe you should contact some owners of both huskies and GSD's to see what experiences they've had with these breeds. I do wish you the best with her, and maybe if you continue working on a recall and she gets good, we can go to the offleash park again. :o

Im confused,I did not know you owned a Mal before,and you posted about your inlaws Mal a few months ago,is he now offleash??I hope not.




Hi everyone. I posted on here a while ago about my husband's family's malamute. Well, the time has come for Cusco to find a new home, as soon as possible. My mother-in-law and father-in-law have decided to have Cusco put to sleep because of his dangerous behaviour.

Here's some background on Cusco......
-He is going to be 4 years old in April, and is a purebred, registered Mal.
-He knows his basics in obedience; sit, stay, lie down, etc.
-He is good with people, as long as they're not disciplining him too much. If they do, he growls, and will sometimes snap as a warning.
-He is possesive of his things and doesn't like to be disturbed if he is sleeping.
-He is NOT GOOD with other dogs. He is very dominant and will be fine with a dog after he establishes himself, but he can also be unpredictable, so best to have him as an only dog.
-He obviously cannot be trusted at an offleash park.
-He has a very strong prey drive, as most mals do, and therefore cannot be in a home with small animals, especially cats. He will kill them.



[QUOTE=heeler's rock!]Well Freyja, I've said all I can about this issue. You must remember that Lindy is still young and a husky cross. I've heard stories about mals not being trusted off leash and blah blah blah, but bottom line with the mals I've seen, worked with, and owned, not one had a problem off leash that wasn't overcome. I do hope your training continues to go well and that you do continue using her training lead to achieve a recall. Based on what I saw of her when we met, she's just a dog that's easily distracted and just needs you to establish yourself as alpha. I honestly believe she can be helped, but maybe you should contact some owners of both huskies and GSD's to see what experiences they've had with these breeds. I do wish you the best with her, and maybe if you continue working on a recall and she gets good, we can go to the offleash park again. :o

This is my 0.02 on this: :)

It's not that it's a breed trait for huskies to "run away". It's simply that certain dogs are impelled to do the things they have been bred to do for centuries.

A bloodhound or beagle is strongly impelled to follow scent, therefore could not be trusted to hang around outside the house. It would be extremely difficult to train this scent following urge out of them. In fact, I would say it's impossible.

Greyhounds are impelled to chase anything that moves. They're not running away either, they are simply doing something that is deeply ingrained in them - see anything move, go after it!

Most hounds and field hunting dogs are bred to work independantly and make decisions on their own, so expecting great obedience performance is not realistic since they are not made to work closely with a handler.

Pit bulls were created to fight other animals and other dogs. Yes, most can be trained to behave around other animals in the presence of the owner, but the URGE to fight cannot be trained out, therefore they cannot ever be trusted NOT to fight.

Huskies are bred and born to pull and run. It's what they love best and sometimes breed traits are so powerful that it makes teaching obedience hard since the urge they have to run can overpower obedience training.

Many dogs, like huskies and basenjis, are very smart but do not have the same desire to please humans as breeds like Dobies, Malinois, GSDs, etc who were created to work very closely with a handler and to take all cues and behaviors from that handler for whatever job they are given. For these dogs, obedience is something they excel at, in general, but not because they are any brighter than huskies.

I'll go with that!Huskies dont have the you say jump and they wil say how high just to please you.Very smart and independant thinkers not as interested in pleasing the handler as some other breeds.And offleash for a sight hound with nothing to chase in sight would not make an experienced owner comfortable with one off leash.

This is my 0.02 on this: :)

It's not that it's a breed trait for huskies to "run away". It's simply that certain dogs are impelled to do the things they have been bred to do for centuries.

Many dogs, like huskies and basenjis, are very smart but do not have the same desire to please humans as breeds like Dobies, Malinois, GSDs, etc who were created to work very closely with a handler and to take all cues and behaviors from that handler for whatever job they are given. For these dogs, obedience is something they excel at, in general, but not because they are any brighter than huskies.

Thanks LR and Heeler's Rock.
I have PMd Heeler's Rock about the trainer she was talking about.

Yes, training is the key. Like I said before acknowledging the trait helps understand and find ways to overcome difficulties. What works for one dog or personality type won't work for another. It really is a lot like kids, my daughter may eat up praise but my son sometimes needs a more firm approach. Give him too much praise and his head explodes! He knows he is the ****, so you don't have to tell him!!
This is what is so great about this list, there are so many people with such a wide variety of experience.

:grouphug:

Prin wrote:
They may be so-called "escape artists", but how can they escape if you are watching them? For me the best way to train a dog not to run away is to watch him. If he knows you will not hesitate to run after him, and catch him, whatever it takes, he won't do it anymore. So far I have only had to football tackle one dog (it was sort of an accident- we both zigged) but after that, he stayed. He didn't take off ever again. Of course this was after using conventional methods...

Sorry but I had to laugh here, there is no way in the world I could EVER catch Lindy at full tilt, that girl is FAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Yes, we owned my in-law's mal when we moved into our new house because we felt they were not adequately taking care of him. We took him over from my BIL as he was not doing well there. We had him for about 6 months before giving him back as we were told they worked things out and would continue the training with him, which they unfortunately did not. We couldn't take the mal back as we had cats by that time and he would have killed them as he wasn't raised with them. That is one mal trait I'm not gonna try and get out of any adult mal! Their strong prey drive. My husband loved that dog and had actually taken possession of him before we got married and moved out, and I helped him a lot with training and such. He was our dog essentially, and his training was going great! But alas, he went downhill quickly.

I have nothing to do with my in laws mal anymore as the choices they make regarding him has made him how he is. He has been off leash, but not at dog parks. He usually goes off leash when they go hiking out of the city, or are with dogs he's known to get along with. His recall is very good, but they are careful not to put him in situations where a dog he doesn't know may come bounding up to him. He's also muzzled now incase dogs are around that they don't see in time.

The other mals and huskies I've seen off leash are all at the dog park and I've seen about 5 there that have done just fine. They even get along with dogs of the same sex, which is not a normal trait mals are said to possess.

I also want to add that you took my posts out of context. When I posted about Cusco being rehomed, that was after we had him and he went down hill. When we were training him and working with him the year prior, he was still impressionable and yes, he did go offleash at dog parks without incident. It was after my in laws stopped his training altogether, that he deteriorated and forgot everything we worked so hard on. Hence why I'm not involved anymore. I've tried helping, and they don't listen. So, Cusco is who he is and will die that way now. Hope that clears things up for you. :o

Lindy is super friendly with other dogs, she just wants to play with everyone. Chihuahuas to Great Danes!! I fear that she may bound up to a dog and try to engage and then get attacked. I don't mind when she is playing with a dog who tells her to take it down a notch with a firm nip, scruff or growl, that is normal but she may approach the wrong dog and get more than she bargained for.

Oh ok, I did not realize you owned a Mal for 6 months.I would say experienced owners and breeders and rescues would perhaps view it differently.

Maybe I do not understand why you take such issue with some breed traits,and say they are excuses for not being trained,and yet you mention the Mal's trait with prey drive and cats made you unable to keep the dog, and agression with dogs you acknowledge.Why wouldn't training have solved those traits?Then you could have kept him.How is it different?

Yes, we owned my in-law's mal when we moved into our new house because we felt they were not adequately taking care of him. We took him over from my BIL as he was not doing well there. We had him for about 6 months before giving him back as we were told they worked things out and would continue the training with him, which they unfortunately did not. We couldn't take the mal back as we had cats by that time and he would have killed them as he wasn't raised with them. That is one mal trait I'm not gonna try and get out of any adult mal! Their strong prey drive. My husband loved that dog and had actually taken possession of him before we got married and moved out, and I helped him a lot with training and such. He was our dog essentially, and his training was going great! But alas, he went downhill quickly.

I have nothing to do with my in laws mal anymore as the choices they make regarding him has made him how he is. He has been off leash, but not at dog parks. He usually goes off leash when they go hiking out of the city, or are with dogs he's known to get along with. His recall is very good, but they are careful not to put him in situations where a dog he doesn't know may come bounding up to him. He's also muzzled now incase dogs are around that they don't see in time.

The other mals and huskies I've seen off leash are all at the dog park and I've seen about 5 there that have done just fine. They even get along with dogs of the same sex, which is not a normal trait mals are said to possess.

LL1 give it up now okay?

This thread returned to being civil and has now bounced back to insults. If the OP's questions have been answered, I will strongly consider closing this thread. Please keep to the OP's topic.

Please ask Heeler's Rock any further questions about Cusco by pm. Thanks.

Thank you.

Huskies are not known for dog aggression,most are good with other dogs.
Lindy is super friendly with other dogs, she just wants to play with everyone. Chihuahuas to Great Danes!! I fear that she may bound up to a dog and try to engage and then get attacked. I don't mind when she is playing with a dog who tells her to take it down a notch with a firm nip, scruff or growl, that is normal but she may approach the wrong dog and get more than she bargained for.

Freyja

It's not completely wasted if even you do try the training, one or both of you will learn 'something' from it!

And ...Remember I said humans have it in us to 'argue' ;) we're just doing what comes naturally White Wolf, do you think we need some obedience training LOL

Oh and Freyja just wanted to let you know my aunt and uncle had one of each a Mal and a Husky and the Husky was a timid boy who never ran off and the Mal was a very protective boy who stayed right by your side.

I'd take care of them when my relatives were on holiday and I'd take them both to walk off leash and never had a problem. HOWEVER they did this with them since they were young pups and that could be a big difference :D

Best of luck either way friend!

I have seen and helped that mal grow up from puppy hood, and I know that I am most definitely not an experienced mal owner, nor did I ever say I was one. Based on my experiences and such, I can say that it is not impossible to train a dog with strong traits. I did not want to attempt training my inlaw's mal, a full grown male weighing 115 lbs, to not eat my cats, seeing as how he'd already attaked and killed mice and other small animals by this point. That's a heck of a lot harder to train out of any dog than a recall. As a pup, a mal can be raised to tolerate cats or other small animals. At the age of 3, he was already mentally mature and set in a lot of his ways. Hence why when they started training again this year at the age of 4, a lot of things were hard for him to un learn. He did okay, but was still very unpredicatable.

I don't get why this issue is being brought up again. I never said that I dismiss traits of some breeds and not others. I did state, many times, that I agree with you on breed traits, so why drudge up something I posted months ago? Was it in an attempt to make me look like a liar or hypocrite? I don't think that was called for.

I'm not defending myself on this issue anymore. I'm tired of trying to convince you of something you will not be convinced of.

I have been on the Alaskan Malamute Help Legue, and have even read about dogs in rescue that get along with cats. They don't recommend small animals with mals, but that is a breed generalization. It doesn't go for all mals ever created.

LL1 give it up now okay?

Thank you Freyja.

I am sitting here in tears because I literally hate feeling like I abandoned Cusco. I most definitely did not and I did everything I could to help him. Free training from the guy I took my class through, taking him into my home and loving him, feeding him and taking him to the vet, and now I didn't do enough? I think I'm done with this board as a whole. I don't post here for this reason alone. Cusco had nothing to do with this thread, and yet here he is. Is there any way to delete my account? I don't even just wanna sign off and not return as I don't need anymore PM's from anyone. Freyja has my number and that's the most important thing from this thread. White Wolf, if you could let me know how to cancel my account, that would be appreciated. Thanks.

Please ask Heeler's Rock any further questions about Cusco by pm. Thanks.

Thats from a moderator maybe you should do the same Heeler's Rock or you will just be aggrivating the situation since the others cannot respond to you about this issue on the thread. Just a little bit of advise! :D

Please don't cancel your account. This thread will get back on topic right now. Right, everybody? :)

A friend of mine is one of the main players in the AMGL, it's a great group.

They have all kinds of helpful info about Mals.

The so you want a Mal link is not working - this one has some basics

http://www.malamuterescue.com/aboutmals.html

I just thought of this Freyja, I remember once hearing of someone getting great recall success by putting a 'bell' on the dog while training ....

Something about the sound of the bell 'during' training then wearing the bell while off leash sends a ding a ling into the dog and helps...worth a try :D

It's not that this thread went off topic, it's the fact that everytime I post, I feel this need to defend myself against everything I say. I'm just so tired of being scared to post. I think I'll leave for a while and just browse. If anyone needs my help, which is all I'm trying to do, they know my screen name and can PM me. Thanks for your moderation on this one WW, and I do hope some good can come out of this thread. Freyja, I hope i can be of some assistance, although right now I'm in quite a bit of self doubt about my abilities...Sorry to have hijacked your thread!! I didn't expect this. :sorry:

maybe you should do the same Heeler's Rock or you will just be aggrivating the situation since the others cannot respond to you about this issue on the thread. Just a little bit of advise!

Again, to defend myself, I was posting as WW posted so I did not read his post. Okay?

Heelers Rock maybe we'll have to teach 'you' some recall ;) so you don't leave.

I can't help you with your self doubt but I can say...remember this is a forum and things can get heated because of others differences of opinion.

I have been attacked on this forum multiple times for my 'strong' opinions on things but I dont let it get to me...if it gets under my dander I realize it's 'my' problem!

There is no need to be afraid of posting.People are bound to disagree with people on a public board,thats normal.You do not need to defend yourself to anyone and I wish you would not get so upset when people disagree.

Woa...slow down a lil bit I didn't mean anything by that. You are obviously upset and see sometimes things can be read differently then intended. Thats the unfortunacy of the net. It was a kind gesture my friend, to steer this back to it's origin as ww indicated thats all.

TAke a deep breath and have some tea that always makes me feel better :D

This is not getting back on topic. :mad:

Sure it was go read about my ding a ling suggestion....or wait maybe I'm a ding a ling..its' 1/2 way there WW give us a minute we'll behave :crazy:

I'm not gonna leave, but I'm not posting anything about what I've seen or know. Most people just don't believe me and just question everything. I'll post in safe places like threads about cookies or husbands. Things I can safely say I know about without being questioned over and over again. Sorry for my last post about defending myself. I'm on edge and I'm taking things a little to personal right now. I'd best get to sleep, but I can't until I know all is good. I'll refrain from posting and just read a bit. Thanks Luba. I know you've bene at the receiving end lately, and I know you can relate. Thanks for wanting me to stay, but we'll see. This board might be causing me more stress than I need at this point in tme. I may need a breather.

Sure it was go read about my ding a ling suggestion....or wait maybe I'm a ding a ling..its' 1/2 way there WW give us a minute we'll behave :crazy:
I'm watching with angst. ;)

This is not getting back on topic.

Sorry WW. Let's get back on topic. Sorry! :o

Luba you are the sweetest, Heeler's I hope you feel better soon. Nothing was posted to disturb you,I wish you could see that.Everyone disagrees,it is no reason to get upset or stressed out.

All this talk about Huskies and Mals has me missing those two old boys my aunt and uncle had Quinn and Nikki oh they were just beautiful. I wish I had pics of them, but I know I can get some from my aunt and uncle.

Explain about the ding a ling. I mean the bell, silly ;)
The dog wears it, how do they learn recall.

TAke a deep breath and have some tea that always makes me feel better

Yes, some tea is in order! I'm not having a good night, obviously. I haven't had a good night in 8 months!! The joy of kids I suppose. Just more to look forward to I guess. :o

Freyja, I will put you in touch with the trainer we discussed and I hope he can be of some help and guidance. He's really good, and I'd love for you to keep me posted on your progress with Lindy! :)

(Chamomile or raspberry tea...w/o any added sugar )

Tx LL1 :D

And Freyja, you put the bell on ONLY when doing the recall training thats it JUST the recall.

Then when you're out in a park or whatever you put the bell on again. They put the two together and ding a ling they somehow manage to 'get it'

'hey ding a ling means I am supposed to go back'

Bonus if it doesn't work LMHO you'll hear Lindy running ding dong ding dong as you go prancing after her in your flip flops flip flops

ROTFLMHO :p

This is a training picture, here we are working on "lie down" :p

LL1, thanks. I'll feel better soon, I've just had a VERY difficult week animal wise. I still feel a lot of guit over the Cusco issue and got emotional when it was brought up, although I see now it was brought up for reasons to do with recall and what not. I'll be fine after some tea and chocolate! :o

Luba, I've never heard the bell thing before either. Can you explain? :o

What an adorable picture!!

Wow we are all posting at the same time LOL bell thing look up there ^

Lindy learns easily you shouldn't have any trouble LMHO

I take too long to type. You already answered my question! :)

Freyja, I LOVE that pic of Lindy! She looks so innocent!!! Who wouldn't love that face?? :D :angel:

Chocolate cures all!And put your feet up and rest!

I'll be fine after some tea and chocolate! :o

Yah, but chocolate will make the baby squirmy, and then mummy cannot sleep, the midwife sayz take some warm milk (okay it is still 24 degrees in here so if you have it take Calcium and Magnesium, works great. In fact it not only helps pregnant mummies sleep it helps midwives sleep too.

Good night all. :love:

Chocolate cures all!

It sure does!! :) I'm heading to bed now, goodnight everyone, and glad we worked it out! See, we're mature enough to handle our issues and focus again! Hope you all have a great night and Freyja, I look forward to your call!! :D

Oh milk yes milk does your body good (but only if it's organic :D )

Did somebody say chocolate? What kind? I recently tried Neuhaus chocolate. It was crazy. I love chocolate but I had never had any "real" chocolate before that. Just amazing. I missed Teuscher. There was one on de Maisonneuve downtown, but when I finally went, it was already gone. :(

Luba, where does one get organic milk, and what does it taste like? I'm curious. I drink about 8 litres of milk a week (I've cut down so much), so if I taste it and I like it, then maybe... Although if it's way more expensive, I don't think I could afford it...

Luba, where does one get organic milk, and what does it taste like? I'm curious. I drink about 8 litres of milk a week (I've cut down so much), so if I taste it and I like it, then maybe... Although if it's way more expensive, I don't think I could afford it...


Any of the "markets" (Atwater, Jean-Talon, etc) sell organic milk, as do the boutique grocery stores (Read: Expensive) and a lot of the bigger grocery stores. It tastes like... milk, maybe a little creamier than normal stuff. Unless you can get your hands on the stuff in glass bottles (Read: REALLY expensive) which is sweet and creamy and delicious :) I think I'm going to go spend my week's grocery money and buy a glass bottle of milk right now :D

Wow did I just get two people to consider buying organic milk :D yippi that made my day!

Do you have any organic food stores around you? If you do go in for a browse.

Many stores will sell organic milk in either cartons OR glass and the glass is refund/exchangeable so you get your deposit back when you bring the glass bottle back.

I only drink organic milk and I can't remember the difference from it to regular non organic it's been so many years now. I just know it's healthier and contains no growth hormones which is a :thumbs up in my book.

BTW Prin did you hear about Monsanto's attempt to patten PIGS? They want to monopolize pig production around the world!

I read that Huskies cannot be trusted off leash,

In all honesty,I do have to dissagree with this.The reason being,my sister has 3 of them,along with a Border Collie.And they are on a farm.

Patience and training are a must with this breed.Yes they can be thick as a brick at times,but in the end it pays off. :)

They worked very hard with their first one Sydney,she was 12 weeks when they got her from me.Even the kids got involved.And at the same time and same age they got Abligail(Abby)their BC.So they had 2 pups to train.Then a year later they adopted brother and sister Amanda and Kellie(nephew named him :rolleyes: )

Again,patience and training took place.The recall was taught on a long training leash.The kids were used as distractions.

I taught them the way I trained my dogs for this.

Place them in the sit,stay command.This was done while they were on the left side.Walk about 3 feet ahead,turn around face the pup/dog.Wait a few seconds,then say the name and "come".When he/she comes,get them to "sit",then praise.Keep doing this a few times.Then try a bit farther when you do it again.When doing this and the pup/dog wanders,go back to them and correct them to the sit/stay possision.This may take some time.But you need to praise/reward when the command is done right.

Hope this helped.

So to make a long story short,the dogs have free run of the property.They come when they are called.And they are well behaved.

A friend of mine,Paul Gross from Due South worked with a Husky,actually 3.They all played the part of Deiffenbaker.The main one was Drako.These dogs were off leash in many of the episodes.None ever took off.

Hubby had a Husky/Lab.I asked if her ever had any problems with Levon not coming when called,he said no.It was all in the training. :)

A friend of mine,Paul Gross from Due South worked with a Husky,actually 3.They all played the part of Deiffenbaker.The main one was Drako.These dogs were off leash in many of the episodes.None ever took off.A friend? A FRIEND? My god, a friend of mine and I were the only two HUGE fans of Due South. I still have all the episodes on tape. :o YEY Paul Gross! And no, none of the dogs ran off- unless they were catching a bad guy, right? :)

BTW Prin did you hear about Monsanto's attempt to patten PIGS? They want to monopolize pig production around the world! Well, then. I'll have to invent a new kind of pig in the lab, then, won't I? :evil: That's actually more stupid than Ralph Lauren trying to trademark Polo and suing Polo magazine (about the sport of Polo) because of it's name or when Trump tried to trademark "You're Fired." Imagine is some boss somewhere had already done it? Trump would be paying him royalties out the wazoo. :D

Yes and Ralph Lauren in no uncertain words promptly said to the media that he hates Canada. I never buy any of his productz he's an arse...hole!

A friend? A FRIEND? My god, a friend of mine and I were the only two HUGE fans of Due South. I still have all the episodes on tape. :o YEY Paul Gross! And no, none of the dogs ran off- unless they were catching a bad guy, right? :) l

Hubby gets a bit jelous when I talk about him.I just tell him to suck it up.... :D :p .

Your right Prin.Even when they caught the bad guy,they stayed.

The breeder of these Huskies also had one of her dogs in Snow Dogs.She not only breeds and shows these dogs,she trains them for the movies. :)

A friend? A FRIEND? My god, a friend of mine and I were the only two HUGE fans of Due South. I still have all the episodes on tape. :o YEY Paul Gross!
OMG! Hubby and I loved that show! :thumbs up

I know eh? Too bad they had to stop doing it. I actually really liked Callum Keith Rennie better as the side-kick though. ;)

You should hear him sing..... ;) :p

Who Callum or Paul? I think I've heard Paul sing.

www.paulgross.org

In 1999 Paul turned down the chance to be considered for a role in ER, NOOOOOOoooooooooo

Paul.

He has a few CD's.

I have heard Callum,how do I put this nicely.Ok,I have heard him try to sing...LOL

The reason he turned it down,if I can remember,is because he didn't want to up root the family.His wife Martha is also an actor.He was also working on the T.V series Murder,Most likely.

Up in the north east of calgary there is a fenced in park. Its nots to big but big enough the dogs can get a heck of a run. There is three openings though where I wish they would put gates. Between the two of us Im sure we could rig up something! I have a couple of babygates at home, who knows!

Its right by my house so I can meet you there sometime if you like and Lindy and Shadow can play together! I got Shadow from the Cochrane Humane society as well and she is also from the morely reserve!

Let me know!

Freyja

I thought I'd mention the bell you tie to your lead while doing the recall training and you jingle it when giving the signal/call.

When he's off leash you put the bell on HIM....

I dont thnk it would hurt if yu put another on the leash as well when u want him to come back you jingle it :D

Thanks everyone!!

I went to the off leash McNight and 68th. Yes there are exits and the fence at the end is broken, she walked right through (on long leash thank goodness). We will keep working on it.

Thanks everyone!!

I went to the off leash McNight and 68th. Yes there are exits and the fence at the end is broken, she walked right through (on long leash thank goodness). We will keep working on it.

Thats the one I was talking about! I haven't been there in so long I didn't know the fence was broken.

Other then that I have went into the pen in the southland park it held all my dogs in just fine but not as much running room as I had hoped. Shadow loves to fetch a stick so It worked well for us!

See.. it just takes a couple of days to get back on topic :D

I took Lindy down to a clients house today. They invited her as we were talking about dogs during one of her visits. They had a huge back yard and a dog. So Lindy went for a play. Their dog was a bit put out, his back yard and his owners just had a baby, but Lindy tried her best to get him to play. She did have a good tear around anyways.

We have been to the fenced in area in Southland park. Lindy runs around a bit but then looks forlornly at the other dogs running free. We have invited a couple of friendly dogs in to play and that has been fun, but we haven't had that many takers.

Perhaps some of us Calgary folk could make a play date?

I took Lindy down to a clients house today. They invited her as we were talking about dogs during one of her visits. They had a huge back yard and a dog. So Lindy went for a play. Their dog was a bit put out, his back yard and his owners just had a baby, but Lindy tried her best to get him to play. She did have a good tear around anyways.

We have been to the fenced in area in Southland park. Lindy runs around a bit but then looks forlornly at the other dogs running free. We have invited a couple of friendly dogs in to play and that has been fun, but we haven't had that many takers.

Perhaps some of us Calgary folk could make a play date?

I could do a play date! It would work best for us if we went to the Southland pen though. Then we dont have anything to worry about! (I am having recall issues aswell!)

Let me know!
Sarah

Yes Yes, name the time and we will be there!!!
Anyone else wanna come???

Yes Yes, name the time and we will be there!!!
Anyone else wanna come???

This weekend Im busy but I can go any night after work except Wednesday and I have this entire friday off!! If you can go during the day there will probably be no other dogs there!

Let me know what works best for you!

Sarah

Friday would work, let me PM you